It’s not Larry King’s People News and Views, but here are a few of my random thoughts on Dungeon Mastering, D&D, and the hobby in general:
- Sitting behind the DM screen is the best place at the table. And it’s not just because people will bring you food and drink. The DM is never bored during a game, regardless of how bored his players are.
- The best D&D games, the best campaigns I’ve run, have always been homespun tales in homebrewed worlds. That’s not just my opinion; my players agree. Not saying my stuff is better than the published stuff (because it’s not). Rather, I think it’s because I am more connected to the material, and therefore more animated about things.
- D&D is the best damn game there is, bar none. I’ve played more hours of D&D than any other hobby I’ve ever been involved in. And, just about the time things seem to get a bit stale, a new edition comes along to breathe some new life.
- Gencon is going to be a hoot this year.
- If the online D&D tools work the way that WotC is saying they will, I’ll get to game again with Cliff, Chris, Conrad, Jamie, and Robert again. Won’t that be the dog’s bollocks?
- It isn’t the time commitment that has kept me out of the MMORPGs. At least, I’m beginning to think that it isn’t. I think it’s because I can’t DM.
- I miss my wife playing D&D.
- I’m never happy with one of Kelly’s characters unless he’s a paladin; I’m never happy with one of Greg’s unless he’s a thief; and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Phil play anything other than an arcane caster. Scott, well, he does all right at whatever he’s playing.
- I like painting my figs. I wish I could get someone else into that part of the hobby.
- I think the reason that Randy is such a good DM is, simply put, that he immerses himself in his prep. I’m sure he easily spends 3 hours on prep for each hour of play.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
But do you truly believe that additional prep time makes for a better x-perience? Randy keeps it tight – his players are always moving forward…progressing towards a goal, that being the end of the story.
I don’t get any Red Herrings in Bay City, though. I don’t miss playing the game there nearly as much as I thought I was going to. Little details are sacrificed in lieu of continuing the arc, and I like me some details.
To the left is the Mystery House.
To the right is the Dodge’Em.
Which one would you pick?
I’d like to think I was somewhat in control of mine own destiny.
That, and I enjoy the smell of hydraulics and soiled upholstery.
I do believe the additional prep time helps. I’m not saying it helps every DM the same way; but in the case of the BC table, I think it’s integral.
But, hydraulics? I’m not following.